CRUISE LINES COMPETE to outdo each other with extravagant amenities, upscale conveniences and resort-style activities aboard their ships, and they bring the same approach to certain ports by operating private islands. While Paul Gauguin Cruises visits a private isle in French Polynesia and MSC Cruises opened a proprietary port near Abu Dhabi, most cruise lines that offer exclusive destinations keep them in the Caribbean.
Owned or leased by a cruise line, a private island in the Caribbean gives passengers access to a full range of shore-side recreational facilities without the crowds of local vendors and tourists that can be found in public ports of call. For many travelers, a visit to a cruise line’s private island is the highlight of the voyage. Not everything ashore is complimentary, however: cabanas, specialty sports equipment, island tours and some activities often carry additional fees.
Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the private-island concept in 1977 with its acquisition of Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas. Recently upgraded, Great Stirrup Cay now includes a new bar and grill, expanded party space, a spa, basketball and volleyball courts, a zipline, a snorkeler-friendly sculpture garden and 22 air-conditioned luxury beach villas.
Holland America Line’s Half Moon Cay, also in The Bahamas, continues to expand its offerings with three beachfront “satellite” bars, a rebuilt entertainment stage, glass-bottom kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and enhanced facilities for its popular horseback riding excursions. Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay features separate beaches for families, teens and adults, plus an underwater snorkeling trail with submerged Disney-themed statues. Princess Cruises’ Princess Cays provides a beach barbecue, a crafts market, a range of water sports, boat rides and private cabanas.
Royal Caribbean International operates two private island destinations for its guests. CoCo Cay in The Bahamas boasts multiple beaches, a floating aqua park, parasailing and an in-water trampoline for children. Labadee in Haiti gives Royal Caribbean passengers exclusive access to the world’s longest overwater zipline, along with beaches and shore-side activities tailored to families and active travelers.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest Caribbean retreat, Harvest Caye in Belize, features the country’s only cruise-ship pier and a full complement of island amenities, including ziplines, private cabanas, a crafts market, a butterfly garden, a water-sports lagoon and guided eco-tours designed to showcase the local environment.
Private islands aren’t the right choice for every traveler. They don’t provide the cultural immersion, shopping variety or dining options offered by cities like Nassau or Freeport. But passengers who prefer to remain aboard during a port call often enjoy the quieter shipboard experience: less crowded pools, lounges and dining venues. Whether spending the day on an exclusive beach or relaxing on board, a cruise line’s private island offers a distinctive, curated port experience that many passengers find memorable.